Tests conducted by independent testing and certification firm Intertek (and certainly commissioned by Life Fitness), show that Life Fitness machines are the most energy-efficient gym machines around. It costs a health club 44 percent less to power Life Fitness treadmills than to power the leading competitor, the study found. That could add up for a facility with 20 treadmills, saving up to $12,000 over four years.

Life Fitness treadmills were compared to those from Technogym, Star Trac, and Precor. All machines were tested running at 3.5, 5.0, 7.0, and 9.0 mph by a 220 pound user. Here's hoping he was at least down to 210 by the end of the trial.

One result that the study didn't find: running or walking outdoors saves even more electricity. And you get fresh air.

Troy Dreier is a technology writer and editor based in Jersey City, NJ. He’s the editor of OnlineVideo.net, senior associate editor for StreamingMedia.com, and a former staff editor for PC Magazine. He’s @tdreier on Twitter.
More »